09.03.13In a recent podcast, Matteson Ellis discusses recent developments in Brazil's Anti-Bribery law scheduled to go into effect in January 2014. Ellis highlights the key differences between the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the new Brazilian law. The differences include the Brazilian law's explicit provision for providing credit for compliance, the application of administrative penalties, and the absence of criminal sanctions. Ellis discusses how the notion of corporate liability is a relatively new concept in Brazil. He describes the new law as important in the areas of public procurement, regulatory issues, and sponsorships, especially during the run-up to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. To mitigate risks under the new law, Ellis said, "… when companies go in, go in with your eyes open, go in with your head up, and go in with a good plan for protecting yourself."